HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Tenth session
Agenda item 4
HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE THE COUNCIL'S ATTENTION
Summary
The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 8/14, mainly covers human rights developments in Myanmar since the Special Rapporteur's interim report submitted to the General Assembly (A/63/341).
The Special Rapporteur has travelled twice to Myanmar and has established constructive working relations with its Government. He would like to thank the Government for its hospitality and cooperation during the missions and also in discharging his mandate.
In the report, the Special Rapporteur elaborates on issues relating to the protection of human rights. In particular, he concentrates on the situation of prisoners of conscience, their right to a fair trial and due process of law and conditions of their detention, as well as freedom of expression, assembly and association in the context of the upcoming elections in 2010. He reviews internal conflicts with regard to international humanitarian law and protection of civilians and issues of discrimination and the need for humanitarian assistance.
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his recommendation of four core human rights elements: a review of national legislation in accordance with the new Constitution and international obligations; the progressive release of prisoners of conscience; training for the armed forces to ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law; and the establishment of an independent and impartial judiciary. Since Myanmar is party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women only, the Special Rapporteur strongly recommends that it accede to the other core international human rights instruments.